Targeting Analyst

Are you interested in being part of our national effort to dismantle illicit organizations? The CIA's Directorate of Intelligence (DI) is seeking creative candidates with initiative and strong critical thinking and communications skills to serve as targeting analysts. Targeting analysts work on teams that bring analysis and operations together to maximize the impact of Agency and Intelligence Community resources against key figures and organizations who pose a threat to US interests.

Targeting analysts use unique datasets, specialized tools, and network analysis techniques to identify and analyze key threats to the US, identify opportunities to disrupt them, and evaluate the risks and benefits of proposed operations. Targeting analysts regularly produce a range of sophisticated short and longer term analytic targeting intelligence products and provide close analytic support to operations for US policymakers, military officials, and law enforcement agencies. Targeting analysts focus on regions of the world and on functional topics including terrorism, weapons proliferation, narcotics trafficking, counterintelligence, and cyber threats.

Agency analysts are encouraged during the course of their careers to maintain and broaden professional ties through academic study, contacts, and attendance at professional meetings. They may also choose to pursue additional studies in fields relevant to their areas of responsibility. Training is provided for specialized tools and skill needs. Opportunities exist for foreign and domestic travel, language training, analytic and management training, and assignments in other offices in the Agency and throughout the US Government.

Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in foreign area study, international relations, political science, history, national security studies, international trade, business, economics, finance, computer science, engineering, WMD technologies, or proliferation. Strong academic credentials in network analysis, stateless organizations, or intelligence analysis are a plus. For some specialties, a master's or advanced technical degree may be required. Foreign language proficiency is highly desired. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale is required. Competitive candidates typically will have higher GPAs, relevant experience, and strong verbal presentation and writing skills, including the demonstrated ability to write clear and concise text. Candidates must also demonstrate excellent analytical ability, solid interpersonal skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

The following items must be attached to your online application:

Your resume.

A cover letter in which you specify your qualifications for one or more analytic positions. Please address why you want to work for the DI and what differentiates you from other applicants.

Unofficial transcripts for all degrees.

Two different writing samples, each five (5) pages MAXIMUM, single spaced, technical or analytic papers that focus on your current area of expertise or interests and are related to your interest in positions at CIA. You can excerpt longer papers.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required.

To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

To Apply:

Make a note of the position(s) that interest you, as you can apply for up to four positions in one application. DO NOT submit multiple applications; this will only slow the review of your application, and delay processing. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before you begin the online application process.